Soccer Player Punches Referee And Knocks Him Out Cold

The Huffington Post UK

MyFoxDetroit.com

A Detroit-area soccer player is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly punching a referee during an adult-league match, critically injuring him.

According to the Associated Press, Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad was arraigned Monday in Livonia District Court a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Bond was set at $500,000, and a probable-cause hearing was set for July 10.

Saad punched the unnamed referee in the head after the referee indicated he planned to eject the 36-year-old Dearborn resident from a game Sunday at Mies Park, Livonia police Lt. Tom Goralski said.

A Detroit-area soccer player is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly punching a referee

The referee was in critical condition at a hospital, authorities said.

Saad wasn't at the field when police arrived, Goralski said. The lieutenant said Saad surrendered Monday.

Violence is far-from-uncommon in soccer and other sports, as illustrated by the recorded telephone message at the National Association of Sports Officials in Racine, Wisconsin.